BAY MINETTE — Owners of 16,000 Baldwin County parcels owe about $10 million in delinquent property taxes, and the clock is running for delinquent fees, 12 percent simple interest on unpaid balances and additional charges.

The Baldwin County Revenue Commission mailed property tax bills totaling $118 million in October, representing 190,297 parcels, according to revenue office staffers. Taxes were due Jan. 2.

As of Jan. 24, $108 million is recorded. The remaining balance is about $10 million. Staffers said an exact figure is not available due to corrections, supplemental bills issued, refunds due and other matters.

Properties with unpaid taxes will be sold in May. Speculators routinely overbid on parcels for a blue chip financial windfall. State law limits overbids, but investors are careful to bid within the limits. After purchase, property owners must pay investors additional interest or forfeit ownership of parcels.

Until mid-March a $5 late fee and 12 percent simple interest will be assessed.

Delinquent properties will be advertised in Gulf Coast Newspapers beginning in late March or early April, staffers said. A fee for advertising will then apply. That fee to property owners is not set. However, it has been $15, then $30, then $45 for the three publication notices required by state law.

A $10 probate judge fee will apply in April and the $5 late fee will increase to $10 at that time.